This post may contain affiliate links, see my Privacy Policy and Disclosure Statement
A chocolate, orange, and pomegranate smoothie that tastes more like a milk shake than a workout recovery drink? Yes! This Chocolate Meal Replacement Shake comes in at 32 grams of protein per serving, and 421 calories with the help of a good protein and fiber nutritional booster! A tasty (and healthy) start to the New Year!
Jump to:
Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other.
~~ Abraham Lincoln
👩🏻🍳 Tamara Talks - Recipe Inspiration
You know what "they" say about New Year's resolutions, right? Nearly half of us make them, and less than 10% of us keep them... Why is that? I have a theory. 😀 "Resolutionaries" (my husband's name for those that make and break) New Year's resolutions, aim too high. Habits take time to form, and setting an achievable goal means the action is more likely to become a habit. In other words, "eat the elephant one bite at a time." My second son loves to remind me of this quote!
So, after the indulgences of the holidays, we're resolved to get to the gym, eat healthier, sleep longer, stress less... and weeks later, we've failed. Having spent a lifetime working at a healthy lifestyle, my advice is this: Start with small, realistic goals. Get a fitness watch, and keep moving. If you want to go to the gym, add a couple of days a week rather than 5. I have found the TRX suspension system to be an amazing addition to any home gym. It's not easy to make excuses if the workout happens at home... no driving involved. 😀
This chocolate meal replacement smoothie is more than a post-workout shake. At 433 calories and 33 g of protein, it will keep you satisfied longer than a typical protein shake. And. All. The. Flavor. This smoothie is delicious! So pull our your Ninja blender, and give it a whirl! The recipe makes 2 servings, so you'll have one for your workout buddy too!
The #NewYear2017 is a perfect time to take a closer look at all the amazing, healthy products Bob's Red Mill has to offer. Bob’s Red Mill brings you healthy, stone-ground, minimally-processed foods… “from mill to table!” In addition to their delicious, healthy foods, they offer an amazing variety of products for individuals with dietary restrictions like “gluten free,” “paleo,” and “vegan.” Check them out! What better way to begin a new year, than with healthier eating habits!
📋 Ingredients You'll Need
Here is a quick look at the ingredients in the recipe – it’s handy to use at the grocery store or as a summary of what you need. Skip to the recipe for quantities.
- pomegranate juice - You want to use 100% juice with no sugar added!
- orange - I use both the zest and the orange sections. I like the additional fiber. Alternatively, you could just use the juice.
- unsweetened dark cocoa powder
- protein powder - Protein powder varies greatly in nutrient composition and calories. I plugged in the specific brand I use of unflavored protein powder to come up with the macronutrients listed in the recipe card. Yours will vary.
- vanilla Greek yogurt - I use nonfat Greek yogurt to reduce calories.
- honey
- fine sea salt
- crushed ice
🔪 Instructions
Making this delicious chocolate meal replacement smoothie could not be more simple. Add the ingredients to a a blender, and blend until smooth. Garnish with fruit as desired!
💭 Tips
When making a meal replacement shake, it is important to get enough protein. Choosing a good-quality protein powder is critical. I look for one with a minimum of 20 grams per serving. The Greek yogurt adds additional protein, bring it up to about 30 calories for the smoothie.
To boost the fiber content, use the orange sections rather than just the juice. I use seedless oranges in the smoothie, and include the orange sections to bump up the fiber. Zesting the orange is optional, but I want to taste the orange flavor!
❓ FAQ
I believe you can, and I have definitely done so. I am a very active post-menopausal woman, and plenty of protein, good carbs, high fiber, low fats have always worked for me.
Are you a New Year's "resolutionary," or are you looking to create new healthier habits? I'd love to hear what you have planned for the year ahead!
📖 Recipe
Best Ever Chocolate Meal Replacement Smoothie
Useful Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup pomegranate juice - 100% juice!
- 1 large orange - zest and sections
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 scoops protein powder
- 1 tablespoon honey
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 cup Greek vanilla yogurt
- 1 orange - juiced
- 1 cup crushed ice
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a blender. Blend until smooth. Garnish with orange slices and pomegranate arils if desired.
Notes
Nutrition
NOTE: Macronutrients are an approximation only using unbranded ingredients and MyFitnessPal.com. Please do your own research with the products you’re using if you have a serious health issue or are following a specific diet.
Janelle says
Ruined the recipe because you wrote it wrong! In the blog section it says dark cocoa powder, but in the ingredients list it says regular! Also depending on your protein powder the "scoop" is huge. All I could taste is vanilla cream. You should probably make sure it says chocolate protein powder.
Beyond Mere Sustenance says
I'm really sorry you had issues with my recipe Janelle! I've read and re-read the post. The "Ingredients" section in the body of the post specifies unsweetened cocoa powder and unflavored protein powder. The recipe card at the bottom specifies 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder and 2 scoops unflavored protein powder with a link to one I've used. I do not see "regular" cocoa powder, even after using the search function for the word. I do my best to make my recipes/posts clear to my readers. I do feel like "scoop" isn't a good measurement, and I need to edit the amount to be more clear. The protein powders I've used have used "scoop," but I should have used a weight measurement. Again, I'm sorry you were unhappy with the outcome.
Leah says
This smoothie is great. I’m in my third trimester with low platelet count so I’m trying to drink promegranate juice more but also keep my protein intake up for baby. I love how the flavors mask the protein powder I used. It doesn’t hide the texture of the protein but it makes two scoops of protein powder go down deliciously. Love this so much!
Tamara says
That's awesome Leah! I'm so glad you enjoy the smoothie, and really appreciate your taking time to let me know... Best wishes for a healthy baby and easy delivery!
Sara says
This looks so good! I can't wait to try your recipe!
Tamara says
Thank you Sara 🙂
Veronika says
Chocolate, orange, and pomegranate together sound really good! Cannot wait to try it)
Tamara says
It's yummy and healthy!
jodie @twoluckyspoons.com says
Oh my goodness, this looks so good! What a delicious way to start the day and I love the chocolate orange combo. It's one of my faves!
Tamara says
It's delicious, and 33 grams of protein do indeed make it a great way to start the day! Thanks Jodie!
Stacey says
I love the flavors, and wow on the 33 grams of protein! Sounds brilliant!
Tamara says
Thanks Stacey! I'm a bit of a stickler on the issue of protein, so I'm pretty happy with this one! 🙂
Kathryn @ FoodieGirlChicago says
Chocolate and orange is one of my favorite flavor combos so I definitely need to give this a try!
Tamara says
It's a great flavor combination Kathryn... I hope you try it!
Leslie Haasch says
I adore Bob's Red Mill products, but I had no idea they made protein powder - have to add that to my shopping list!
Tamara says
Yes, Leslie! They have several to choose from!
Marisa Franca @ All Our Way says
I need this smoothie in my life. With all that flavor and creaminess it would be more like a decadent dessert. I do have a resolution for the year and this smoothie would help me keep it.
Tamara says
Thanks Marisa! If it doesn't taste good, we don't want to eat it right? I see so many smoothies that make me shake my head. This one does taste a bit like dessert. 🙂
Mark says
These are really tasty!
Tamara says
Both tasty and nutritious!
Analida @ ethnicspoon.com says
I need a smoothie like this to mix up my morning routine! I love the pomegranate juice!
Tamara says
Thanks Analida! The chocolate, orange, pomegranate combination is delicious, and the smoothie is quite nutritious!
Carrie | Clean Eating Kitchen says
This sounds like such a tasty (and easy!) way to stay on track in January! Meal replacement drinks are a great way to help manage weight....and chocolate - yey!
Tamara says
Yay for chocolate! It's definitely easy, and the macros make it great for a meal replacement 🙂
Andrea The Petite Cook says
This smoothie looks amazing! Chocolate and orange is my fav combo!
Tamara says
It's one of my favorite flavor combos as well!
Gloria @ Homemade & Yummy says
I LOVE how chocolaty this looks. What a great lunch (or even breakfast). So easy to sip this while I work away on the computer.
Tamara says
It has lots of chocolate flavor (my favorite)! It's great to enjoy chocolate in a healthy smoothie 😉
Michelle says
I would definitely have an easier time staying on track with healthy eating if I can have this chocolatey goodness!
Tamara says
It does kind of taste like dessert!
Nicoletta @sugarlovespices says
You are right, resolutions aimed too high are a possible failure. Small steps for me include eat healthily, exercise regularly, and stress less. This smoothie, or meal replacement, looks so yummy that I'd have it every day!
Tamara says
Thanks Nicoletta! As a "healthy" blogger, I encourage the exact approach you've taken... It works better than the roller coaster of dieting.
Tina says
I would really love this drink as well as many recipes to be dairy and gluten free options when posting them. I suffer from dairy migraines and cannot have most recipes shown on Instagram 😢😭
Tamara says
Thanks for your feedback Tina! I'm truly sorry about the migrains 🙁 This recipe is gluten-free, and could easily be dairy-free by substituting a non-dairy yogurt such as a soy or coconut yogurt. Best wishes!
mjskitchen says
This is a smoothie I could drink every morning. Chocolate and pomegranate. YUM!
Tamara says
It is so good MJ! When we have one, it's hard to remember it's a meal replacement shake and not dessert! Thanks for stopping by my friend...